The vibes in Sacramento have taken a massive hit. Kings guard Ben Simmons is likely out for the entire 2026-27 season after tearing his right Achilles tendon during practice this Sunday. The team dropped the news today, and honestly, it’s a total L for anyone hyped to see his return to the court.
Simmons was just starting to find his groove, signing a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Kings last month. After sitting out the 2025-26 season to deal with back and leg issues, he was locked in and ready to be a main character again. He balled out in two preseason games, averaging 10.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists.
He had already secured a spot in the starting lineup next to heavy hitters like Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine. The plan was for him to start on opening night against the Los Angeles Clippers this Wednesday, bumping DeAndre Hunter to the bench. Simmons even spent time this summer grinding at a minicamp with the Australian national team to prep for this moment. Now, the momentum he was building has completely stalled.
Why it matters
This injury puts a massive damper on Sacramento's depth chart right as the season kicks off. Simmons was looking to prove he could still run with the best of them after a rough 2024-25 season with the Nets and Clippers. Now, the team has to pivot fast, and for Simmons, it’s a long road to recovery before he can even think about another comeback.
